Mathews Memorial Library reopened on Monday, providing a new community service to local residents as a 2020 Census Partner.

Before it had to close in March because of restrictions related to COVID-19, the library had applied to become a Census Partner with the U.S. Census Bureau to help ensure that the community is accurately represented, according to a press release from Library Director Bette Dillehay. At that time, she said, only 32.8 percent of Mathews County residents had submitted their information.

Dillehay said that there are many ways to respond to the census, which is taken only once every 10 years, can shape the Mathews community. The results help determine how billions of dollars in federal funding is distributed to states and communities every year, she said, ensuring public services and funding for schools, hospitals, and fire departments.

The census also determines how many seats Virginia are allocated in the U.S. House of Representatives, she said, and provide...